In the proximity of an uncomfortable, crying kid who can’t explain their discomfort, the only things parents want to do is determine if a fever is to blame. With the Flo, the connected Bluetooth thermometer makes it extremely simple to get that reading almost instantly.
Flo is one connected product that works even without a phone. Its most striking quality is its non-invasiveness. Users need only to point Flo’s sensor at, say, a forehead and be within 1cm to get an accurate temperature reading. Temperatures are divided into three colors for instant understanding: green for normal temperatures, red for fever, and purple for chills, all of which can be audibly read aloud for the busy, multi-tasking parent. Flo can also be pointed at objects, as well, so parents can determine if a bottle of milk is too hot or bath water is too cold.
Syncing with iOS allows Flo to generate data charts that parents can use to see if medicines and other remedies are truly effective with their little ones. An in-app photo tagging system and note system attempts to combine Flo’s temperature reading features with a light social aspect that can upload to all the major social platforms for a more complete picture of health and happiness. Each Flo is $22 and is expected to ship in May 2016 should its $20,000 see success by March 10th, 2016.
The smart thermometer scene has heated up since the success of Kinsa and the price for such prodcts is dropping precipitously. While Flo boasts a set of engaging features parents will no doubt appreciate, the Wishbone thermometer is strikingly similar. Both products boast no wires nor contact, but the latter needs to be plugged into a smartphone to function. One thing neither product does, though, is record temperature continually without the need of user manipulation like the Hoko smart comfort thermometer. That’s arguably a much more useful measure in making sure baby is comfortable all the time.